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Using data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, scientists have found evidence of large caves beneath the lunar surface, similar to Earth’s lava tubes. These findings, from a decade-long
Using data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, scientists have found evidence of large caves beneath the lunar surface, similar to Earth’s lava tubes. These findings, from a decade-long radar survey, point to significant underground formations that could support future astronaut missions by providing a natural shelter.
Using data from NASA’s LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter), an international team of scientists has discovered evidence of the existence of caves beneath the Moon’s surface.
While reanalyzing radar data collected by the LRO Mini-RF (Miniature Radio Frequency) instrument in 2010, the team found evidence of a cave extending more than 60 meters from the floor of the crater. The pit is located 230 miles northeast of the first manned lunar landing site at Mare Tranquillitatis. The exact size of the cave is unknown, but it may extend for kilometers beneath the mare.
Scientists have suspected for decades that underground caves existed on the Moon, just like on Earth. Images from NASA’s lunar orbiters, which mapped the lunar surface before the Apollo landings, suggested pits that could lead to caves. The crater was later confirmed in 2009 based on images taken by JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Kaguya Orbiter, and since then, many have been found on the Moon using images taken by LRO and surface thermal measurements.
“Now analysis of Mini-RF radar data tells us how far out these caves can extend,” said LRO project scientist Noah Petro of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
Scientists suspect that lunar caves form when molten lava flows beneath a cooled lava field or when crust forms over a lava river, leaving a long, hollow tunnel, similar to the “lava tubes” found on Earth. If the roof of a solidified lava tube collapses, a skylight-like hole opens that can lead to the rest of the cave-like tube.
For more information about this discovery, see NASA’s Lunar Orbiter Reveals Hidden Tunnels on the Moon.
Source: Port Altele
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